In a small room, a lucite or glass coffee table can create the illusion of space. Chairs or side tables with thin legs, such as the ones shown here, take up less real estate than thick, bulky furniture.

In small spaces, double-duty furniture, such as this bench-shelf, is a must. The hollow bottom can be used for storing baskets or books, while the top is a colourful, cushioned space used for extra seating.

Artwork, shelves and full-length drapes draw the eye upward, making this space appear larger. Interior designer Mazen El-Abdallah, of Mazen Studio, designed his 900-square foot rowhouse to feel like a chic New York townhouse.

Intelligent space savers, like this hideaway trundle bed, are key when square footage is sparse. This roll-out is a charming original feature built into an armoire unit in the main room. When closed, the bed tucks under counters in the kitchen and walk-in closet. See this apartment’s floor plan and living room.

Numbered baskets across the top of the upper cabinets provides much-needed storage, warmth and texture to the basic white kitchen, while a hanging pot rack acts as a functional ‘chandelier.’ A butcher-block topped island doubles counterspace, and when two stools are added, creates a casual breakfast spot. A vintage chest, acquired from a university science lab, holds linens, flatware and baking utensils, freeing kitchen cabinets for larger items.

This 500-square-foot studio is punctuated by bold hues evoking a subtle Morroccan vibe. Kaili chose this large roll-arm sofa as the key furniture piece for the main living space. The weighty look of the sofa is balanced by smaller scale furniture like the leggy coffee table. A gold tray provides a hit of glam and offers a display surface for a pretty vignette.

Designer and stylist Arielle Glober skipped a bulky headboard in favour of bold citrus-green lacquered screens set against a muted paper wall. Although the dormer is just big enough for a queen-sized bed, the wallpaper, glass lamp and country-style lace-edged bedding deliver major impact.

With a bleached-hardwood floor and an architectural mantel and fireplace, this living room has a mix of modern furniture and vintage finds, like the candleholder above the fireplace. Leggy furniture emphasizes the airy feel.

Rustic baskets above the shelves and a mod ’60s light fixture emphasize the height of this kitchen.

H&H style editor Michael Penney removed the upper kitchen cabinet doors and stapled grasscloth wallpaper to the back, creating chic and expansive-looking open shelves. A wallpaper feature wall also draws the eye up and out to the window view.

Get more small space solutions in our photo gallery. Also, see more photos of Michael’s former apartment and a tour in our gallery and video. Plus, see tours of his new house, too!

DIY shelves look like custom built-ins. Removing the door and running carpet throughout the bedroom and the en suite closet visually connects and enlarges the two areas. A chinoiserie-print curtain hides the stacking washer and dryer.

In a small space, every piece counts. Here, a low-slung bench becomes a built-in banquette when pushed against the wall in front of two Barbara Barry side tables. A free-standing screen allows the homeowner to fake a separate dining room.

A multipurpose island helps makes the most of an open-concept, 878-square-foot loft.

This island houses a 43-inch plasma TV, electronics, drawers and a wine fridge. The sleek mixture of cedar, tile, stainless steel and leather ties the kitchen into the equally urban and masculine living area.

The coffee table can be used as bench seating for extra guests, while cabinets keep this 850-square-foot condo neat. A sisal rug, vibrant orange cushions, a wicker chair and abundant greenery give this bright living room a relaxing vacation-home vibe.

Glossy cabinetry, a huge mirror and a glass-topped dining table enhance the sense of space in this 625-square-foot condo.

Designer Peter Wilds and his partner, Noam Gagnon, tore down the wall between the kitchen and living room. It meant giving up what little closed-off space they had, but being able to take in the Vancouver skyline while they cook makes it a valuable trade-off.

Groups of two to 12 can be comfortably entertained in this apartment, thanks to a dining area tucked neatly away in one corner and anchored by an oversized lampshade. The round table creates better flow in the compact space than a square one. A single drapery panel softens the space and creates the illusion of a bigger window.

A durable, budget-friendly alternative to hardwood, slate-look ceramic tiles create visual flow throughout this house. The living room’s modern aesthetic is offset by a classic 40-year-old Heriz wool rug. The homeowner had the rug’s border trimmed for a contemporary look.